What is CryptoLocker Ransomware?
CryptoLocker is typically spread through email attachments or via infected websites. Once a system is infected with CryptoLocker, the malware will scan the hard drive for certain types of files and encrypt them using an RSA public key pair.
The private key is only known to the attackers and is used to decrypt the encrypted files. The encrypted files will have a “.locked” or “.cryp1” extension added to their filename.Payment is typically demanded in bitcoins, although some variants have also demanded payment in other cryptocurrencies such as Monero or Dash.
Victims are given a limited time to pay the ransom, after which the price may increase or the attackers may delete the private key entirely, rendering the files permanently unreadable. Some methods can be used to attempt recovery of the original unencrypted files from backups or shadow copies if they exist on the system.
What does CryptoLocker do to your computer?
If you do not pay the ransom within a certain amount of time, the key will be destroyed and your files will remain encrypted forever.
CryptoLocker can infect your computer in several ways, including through email attachments, websites that host malicious advertising (called malvertising), and fake updates for legitimate software programs. Once it’s installed, CryptoLocker will scan your computer for specific types of files, such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and photos. It will then encrypt these files using a strong encryption key.
When you try to open one of the encrypted files, you’ll see a message asking you to pay a ransom to decrypt the file.
There is no guaranteed way to decrypt the files without paying the ransom or restoring them from backups; however, some security researchers have released tools that may be able to do so. Instead, focus on restoring your files from backups if possible.
Is CryptoLocker a virus?
CryptoLocker is a type of malware that encrypts files on a victim’s computer, making them inaccessible unless the victim pays a ransom. While CryptoLocker itself is not technically a virus, it is usually spread through email attachments or infected websites. Once executed, CryptoLocker will scan the victim’s hard drive and encrypt any file with one of the following extensions:
.3ds .7z .apk .avi .bmp .cdr .cer .chm .conf .css .csv .dat .db .dbf .djvu .doc(x) cryptolocker virus ransomware pay
CryptoLocker: When was this virus active?
CryptoLocker is a virus that was active from 2013 to 2016. This virus encrypts files on the victim’s computer and then demands a ransom be paid to decrypt the files.
When CryptoLocker first appeared, it caused a great deal of panic as many people were not aware of how to protect themselves from this type of attack. However, since then, awareness of ransomware has grown and there are now many tools available to help protect against it.
Despite this, ransomware remains a serious threat, and businesses in particular need to be aware of the risks. To protect yourself from ransomware, you should ensure that you have good backups in place and that your security software is up-to-date.
Is CryptoLocker real?
This malicious software encrypts the victim’s files using a strong encryption algorithm making them completely inaccessible. The only way to get the files back is to pay the ransom which is typically demanded in Bitcoin. Unfortunately, even if you do pay the ransom there’s no guarantee that you will get your files back. Many people have paid the ransom only to never hear from the attackers again.
Who is behind CryptoLocker?
We do know that the operation is conducted by an international network of cybercriminals. The gang behind CryptoLocker is thought to be based in Eastern Europe, and they have been linked to other malware attacks, such as Gameover Zeus.
Crytolocker was created by “a sub-group inside the larger gang,”, and first appeared in September 2013. Since then it has amassed about half a million victims.
Is CryptoLocker still a threat?
Yes, CryptoLocker is still a threat. Even if you have an anti-virus program, it can still get through and encrypt your files. The only way to get them back is to pay the ransom. And even then, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get your files back.
Avoid CryptoLocker Threats:
According to a recent report from Symantec, the number of new ransomware families increased by 67% in 2016.
Be cautious when opening email attachments, even if they appear to be from someone you know.
If you do find yourself infected with CryptoLocker or another form of ransomware, do not panic.
If there is no free decryption tool available, then you may be able to use recovery software to restore encrypted files from a backup or shadow copy. Therefore, it is always best to reformat and reinstall your operating system if possible after removing any malicious software from your computer.
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